Our
home page features a variety of art work from
artists who share with us an appreciation of boyhood in its different
aspects. We recently chose a painting by Nikolay
Bogdanov-Belsky
depicting the physical energy of boys engaged in a tug-o-war. In
another picture by the same artist, we see a different kind of
energy. The boys in the classroom are in deep thought about a problem
their teacher has put before them. We also see a delightful intimacy
in the painting with two of the boys flanking their teacher, one
whispering his idea into the teacher's ear. The mutual affection of
teacher and class is palpable. The atmosphere at a time and place
where education would normally have been rigid and punitive is
informal and free. We sense that any of these poorly clad boys would
have no hesitation to also whisper their own thoughts in their
teacher's ear.

Bogdanov-Belsky
studied art at the Semyon Rachinsky fine art school. It is likely
that the S. Rachinsky portrayed in his schoolroom painting is the
same person. It seems clear from the painting that he viewed the man
with great affection.

The
two Bogdanov-Belsky
paintings we have featured illustrate different kinds of intimacies
that we find very touching. This artist, in his other works, shows a
great sensitivity for boys in particular and children in general.
Bogdanov-Belsky's
masterful
works also show an
even-handed sensitivity for adults as for the young.

The
following quotation from the artist sums it up:

“Children have
always fascinated me, I have dedicated my life to them and still do
…the world of a child is truly good!” - Nikolay
Bogdanov-Belsky